Marriage – Page 2 – KEEP CALM AND READ ON

September 6, 2014

6th 6eptember!

Happy Anniversary to us!

6 years of marriage flew by quickly. I have been very blessed to know and eventually marry such a wonderful guy. BH is NOT romantic, neither does he cook or clean. However, he is a good provider. He is motivated to work hard so I don’t have to. I remember how he was not too excited when I decided to go back to work “Why don’t you tell your boss that you can only work 4 days a week?” I guess, the MCP part of him just wanted a wife to clean, cook and wash?

Well, so what have we achieved in 6 years? erm… nothing? I really still enjoy having just the 2 of us. On most days, we just feel that having a dog would make our relationship more colorful. Yes, we have been dog searching whenever we can – however, we are just so picky. Just last week, we FINALLY see a puppy we both liked. Like most first dog owners, we were asking a whole tonne of questions.. in the end, the seller/breeder sold the pup to someone else. You should have seen the sadness on BH’s face. His exact words was ” It feels like we lost a child.” I was speechless.

Then again, I am really glad that we still have so much to look forward to as a couple. It’s like we have so much to do BEFORE we have kids. I guess the phrase that we look forward for is to have our own house, buying furniture we really like and decorating our own space without limits. Hopefully or maybe the time will come soon?

Finally, I am delighted to say that BH and I finally took the plunge and did something we wanted to do for a long time….. we took our post-wedding pictures!!

Here’s a few pictures 🙂 Thank you Sam, my first friend in Seattle, who helped with the make-up. Photography by Kristen – she is young but talented. Photography session with her feels like a therapy – she interacts with us, ask us questions and certainly helped us to feel even closer after 6 years marriage (+ 6 years of dating)!

What do you think? We loved them! These memories will last a life time 🙂

March 3, 2014March 6, 2014

Bali Happy vacation!

Finally down to blogging about one of the BEST vacation ever 🙂

8 – 10 Feb

BH and I planned this trip about 6 months back. We wanted to use our expiring Krisflyer miles and also travel to somewhere relaxing. We decided on Bali! Since we had the miles, BH suggested that we should fly Business class. Yes, we still need to pay SG$180 per person ( for taxes and etc) but it’s a once in a lifetime experience! And so… we went for it.. and it was the BEST flight ever!

Business class passengers have access to the SilverKris Lounge. Basically, it’s a rest area with shower rooms, wi-fi and a generous Buffet spread !! I was extremely happy to eat chwee kuay and sip TWG while waiting for boarding time! 😀

of course, the flight was extra comfy.. we get to read magazines and have our baggage tagged as ‘PRIORITY’ – no long waits for luggage!!

Oh… and for SQ First/Business class flight from SIN to other destinations, you have the option to ‘Book the Cook’ You get a special gourmet meal! we had Lobster brunch!!!! so extravagant!

1 week before our flight, we also called the SQ ticketing office and told them we are celebrating our anniversary!!! we got a nice cake on the plane together with champagne!!! wah!! super impressed with the service!! seriously the BEST!! By the way, we were so full from the food so the SQ crew packed our cake for us to enjoy in Bali! 🙂 Love the thoughtful service!

The flight was just too short 🙁 We arrived in Bali in about 2h 30mins time!!

At Bali airport, we took a cab to Villa Uma Sapna

Beautiful villa!!! We had welcome drinks and fruits, chilled out a little..jumped into the pool, washed up and went sightseeing shortly!

We took a cab to Potato Head Beach Club – a nice place to sit down and chillax 🙂

The following day, BH arranged for a driver (US$50) from Bali Bliss Tour

The driver did have a planned itinerary. He wanted to bring us to watch some Bali dance and shop at Craft village, we are not interested so we declined politely. The driver was cool with it. In the end, he drove us to drink Luwak Coffee. BH and I love coffee, we felt that the regular Bali coffee was watered down – Luwak coffee is very strong and bold BUT EXPENSIVE!

Then he drove us to see Ubud rice fields – it was nice but not as huge as I thought it will be. We also walked around in Ubud downtown area. I bought 2 bottles of gourmet jam from KOU which tasted really good! haha… yes, of all things, jam was the only thing we bought in Bali

Lunch was buffet at a restaurant with the view of the Volcano ( not sure the name) This is the ONLY decent pic I have of this place because it started pouring during our meal and the volcano disappeared behind the clouds

Traffic is quite bad in Bali. The scooters are crazy! so scary to drive!!! By the time we arrived back in Seminyak, it was almost dinner time!

BH and I went to Breeze at The Samaya for dinner. Super romantic place!! The view was beautiful! Gosh… very nice!! I don’t wanna leave!!! Food was on the high cost side but we decided to indulge – so happy to spend such a wonderful evening with my dearest!

After dinner, I arranged for Spa Bali to pick us. I did a Body Scrub while BH did hot stone massage. It was only about US$15 for each service!!! Very affordable!!! I love it so much that I booked another session with them on the next day ( before we leave Bali)

On the last day, BH and I explored the Villa’s art gallery. Art pieces are very nice, wish we could bring them home! haha..

Then we had lunch at The Bistrot Food was alright. We dined here because I love the ambiance 🙂

After lunch, it’s Spa time!!!! This time BH and I did facial. Then I had manicure and hair treatment! Sooooo relaxing.. and much cheaper than SG!!! Big love!!!

We still had time (& money) after the Spa, we decided to go to Sardine just to chill out

Just for us to remember, we only changed SG$400 and did not use credit cards for our meals/spa. It was enough!!

Weird enough, we had to pay exit tax of 150,000 rupiah when we depart Bali – I thought it was included in the airfare?! In any case, we paid part of it by USD because we didn’t have enough rupiah already 🙁

Anyhow, 3 days 2 night at Bali was just tooo short!!!! Would love to go back again!!! 🙂 Thank you BH for such an amazing, pampering holiday!!!!

February 17, 2014February 17, 2014

Back!

We got back on 13 FEB and still battling jet-lag. Jet-lag is a huge monster I tell u!! We fell asleep at the wrong time, get hungry at the wrong time. Gosh… So I decided to cook to overcome the jet-lag. Works well so far! 😀

Vday was spent at home enjoying each other’s company. That includes grocery shopping, cooking, washing, unpacking. How exciting!!! I was delighted that BH volunteered to clean the place for us – the best Vday gift! I cooked a simple meal of Lotus root soup and sambal stinky beans. Home cook meal is the best! Just when we thought we could relax and catch up on tv shows we missed, Justin came over to our place! Followed by Jo&Dave and Ron! We shared a cake and spent our evening chatting away! Hahaha… It was a pleasant surprise! Really happy to have a mini get together after awhile! Who say vday is for lovers??!! It’s for friends too! 🙂

Today, BH went to work and came home super early at 5pm! I love it that he comes home early and smiles as he walks into the door. I don’t know why but it’s heart warming especially on a super cold day! Hahaha..

I seriously have so much to blog about!!! Will update with pictures soon!!

January 1, 2014December 31, 2013

Amanda’s 2013 year in review

It’s the time of the year again! Time for the end of year report card! Haha.. Well, this year I will be spending the start of the New Year away from BH – I hope that he won’t forget to write his review!!

Last night, after a fabulous night out with an old friend, I came home to my sis surfing Facebook ( not usual.. Haha) she was reviewing her year through her timeline. Out of curiosity, I went to review my timeline and the most memorable moment for me was….. When I purchased some 12 count, 3 ply toilet paper for $2.99! Haha.. How auntie! Facebook is not an accurate measure of my year, maybe my blog is better 🙂

Just like other years, there are many ups and downs. Let’s see…

Jan
-Our small group of closely knitted friends in Seattle lost a game khaki suddenly to heart attack. It was a huge shock to us. We were deeply saddened but learnt to treasure each other and be more health conscious. This unfortunate event deserve a better post but I just can’t find the right words or courage to write it.
-BH and I went for our first vacation of the year to Los Angeles. It was the first time we attend a Chinese concert ( MAY day) in the USA . It was a cool experience. The view at Griffith observatory is probably the BEST sight I have ever seen this year!

Feb
-BH and I went for painting class together. It was such a fun vday activity!!

Mar
-Moved into a new apartment which became the BIGGEST regret of the year. Sigh!

Apr/May
– BH and I went to Vegas for a short getaway. We won a mini jackpot of US$200 !!! The biggest win so far! If you are wondering, the $ was ‘returned’ to the casino shortly. Hahaha

Jun
-Arrival of Mr Hyde! Our joy and best purchase of the year!
– started volunteering at a children’s museum! BEST decision ever! Why did it take me so long to take up volunteering!!!

July/Aug
-My loving hubby decided that maybe we should look for a new place since I was upset and uncomfortable about the apartment. We were looking at buying a place but DID NOT because of our SG commitments. We saw a place we really liked – the kind that you will want to grow your family in, the kind that gives you the AHA moment the minute you step foot in but we got to let it go. It hurts a lot because you know what you want but you can’t pursue it further. It took awhile for the heartache to go away but we still believe that other good things will come our way. You just got to be patient… Right? 知足的快乐叫我忍受心痛
– BH and his team participated in a Hackaton and emerged the Seattle champion!

Sept
– BH and I celebrated our 5 years anniversary!! I am soooo happy that we r still in love and on the same page ( most of the time.. Haha) I just feel so happy that i don’t want our relationship to change. I still wish that BH will be able to put me ( family) above his work

Oct
-nothing worth mentioning

Nov
-we went to San Jose for Hackaton finals! Though BH and team did not win the grand prize, I m still proud of his achievements!

Dec
-We finally received news of something important to us. We did what we needed and hope for the best. We will only know the result next year. I am looking forward to this!
-I cashed out my first blogger paycheck on nuffnang. I earned $66 for 5 years!!! Obviously not blogging hard enough 🙁 Still waiting for the cheque to reach me…
-I came back to SG for Xmas and New year – leaving poor BH alone for the first time during this time of the year… Boooo… Will meet in a few weeks time! 🙂

————
Overall, Its been a relatively happy this year. I really regretted the rental we are staying in now – wish that time will fly by so that the lease will end soon.

In 2014,
– I will continue to eat healthy, go to the gym ( really missing ZUMBA and cardio tai box now)
– Volunteer
– blog more ( post entries with more substance)!
– save more money for future home
– be happy, worry less

Hopefully, more good things will come our way 🙂 Happy New Year everybody!!

January 1, 2014December 31, 2013

Binghuan’s 2013 Year In Review!

Numbers just keep adding up doesn’t it?
Things were sort of chaotic this year.

1) We move to an older place. First time we compromised our living conditions in hope of savings. We did save more alright but not sure if its worth our sanity.

2) I changed teams for the first time in MS. Sort of change since I rejoined my old lead and another colleague. I don’t think that was a mistake, leaving my comfort zone. It also made me realize how much more I like Kirkland compared to Bellevue. Still love Redmond too..

3) We went out of our way to look for a home for us. We were really serious and I think we found a place (Took months cause we were soooo picky) that we know we would love only to finally decide against it. I will put that blame on me. Won’t go into details why but we just didn’t.

4) We didn’t go for any travel at all (beside San Jose which I will go into later). Once again, to save money…

5) I won a Hackathon! My very first one too, the Paypal Hackathon was an eye-opener. I got to visit Paypal HQ, meet new people, play with new technology. It was tiring but I have no regrets. The final for the big money was sort of a let-down, the other teams that placed in top 3 was okie and I thought we did well enough to place but apparently not. Maybe it was the MS connection that pulled us down.

6) Lots of savings! I just calculated and it was incredible the amount we saved this year. It is hard to see the amount as it is spread across a few accounts but I was really glad the compromised above wasn’t for nothing.

2014 will be a super exciting year, I cannot even wait!
1) GC process is finally moving to the last stage. Which means I will get GC, Amanda can be free to choose what she wants to do! For me is probably more of a job security as I can jump to other places but I can’t really decide if I want to. I have some friends here, and Seattle isn’t that bad besides the cold weather. San Fran would be nice but property is so expensive there that I can’t really put myself through moving all the way there.

2) We might just decide to move to another rental if the HDB appeal failed. No point suffering, and lots of new places around so maybe we will just move to enjoy 1 more year of rental.

3) I do want to return to Vegas with Amanda. We skipped it for 2013, lets return to our annual routine. 🙂
We will also be flying first class to… BALI haha on SQ. Okie, short trip but hey still first class! Can’t wait for that too.

Some longer term goals?
1) I really want to go Peru and visit Machu Picchu. Not sure when but soon I hope. If not too old to climb… 🙁

2) The elusive home that we can grow our family in. I really hope appeal goes through and allow us to sell our hdb.

3) Maybe a cute dog? 🙂

September 6, 2013September 10, 2013

Happy 5th 6eptember!

You know how the song “Marry Me” by Train goes?

Forever can never be long enough for me to feel like I’ve had long enough with you

I feel like that all the time 🙂 It’s amazing that 5 years of married life went by in a flash.. seriously, a flash. Yes, I do complain about BH some times BUT on most times.. I wondered ” Why didn’t we get married earlier?!” haha.. as selfish as it may seem but I still can’t get enough of our ‘2 people world’ Hope BH feels the same too

To BH (who may or may not read this entry): Thank you for not saying NO to the things I want, regardless of how big, how far, how expensive – If i dare to dream it, I know, you will get it for me, for us ( just a matter of time) Thank you for dreaming the dream with me, hopefully, we will turn dreams to reality some day. Happy anniversary and many more to come!

August 11, 2013August 11, 2013

Review: Black Bottle Postern (Bellevue)

BH and I recently found a good restaurant that we love and it is really near our current place. [Thanks Alina for introducing this place to us first 🙂 ]

We dined at Black Bottle Postern with our friends and just fell in love since then. haha.. it’s funny coz we always drove by but nv get to come in and try the food here.. So, this place is really great for big groups as the food is meant to be shared. The ambiance is really nice – a mix between modern and rustic. I feel that it is rather charming.. and quite romantic 🙂 Imagine chilling out, drinking wine and just chatting

One Sunday, BH and I decided to do just that ! I was feeling particularly good because I finally caved in and bought a nice Lululemon top which was on sale (but still expensive) – love how the top shapes my upper body and you don’t have to wear a bra! hehe.. perfect for the warm weather now! Opps.. sorry.. I digress..

Back to the food~~

The thing that I don’t understand about this place is “Our unfussy, rustic dishes are intended to be shared….” (quoted from their menu) Like seriously?! Are you kidding me?! The food is so good!!! I just want the whole dish to myself!!! How to share!

Anyhow.. My favorite is the bread pudding.. I really love the buttery taste of the bread pudding… and crave for the bourbon sauce .. . Food was as amazing as the first time we dine here. This time we ordered:

-house duck sausage rainbow chard shiitake mushrooms( Our new favorite!)
-bulgar wheat harissa lamb meatballs & paneer
-Broccoli blasted (Of course!!! How can I get sick of this! It is super delicious! shall attempt to mk this one day)
-BREAD PUDDING!!!

As it was Sunday, there’s 1/2 off bottle of wine! We had a bottle of Riesling ($15) to go with our food. This is life!

Will definitely go back again very soon!!!

July 3, 2013July 3, 2013

Why we didn’t have a dog … yet?

Well.. It’s not the money.. It’s not the space.. It’s just… The lack of connection.. 🙂

Let me define “connection”
(1)somehow the dog and I just click.
(2)Though its the first time we meet, it felt like we have known each other for a long time.
(3)The feeling of ‘I have been waiting so long for you’

Hahaha yes.. I am looking for a furry lifelong partner!!

Friends or even BH’s co-workers would know that we have been yearning to add a dog to our family. It had been years! BH loves browsing rescue websites and watching breeders’ webcams and he will go…. “Aww.. So cute…” We also try to participate in doggie events so as to educate ourselves on dog ownership. Haha.. Talking to my family about Bambi just mks us want to have a dog even more – sometimes my mum do complain about Bambi but after the complains, she would tell me how smart Bambi is.. It’s hilarious!

Call me fussy.. Choosy.. But when I fall in love.. It would be LONGER than forever. We are taking our time.. Hopefully we will find that puppy soon 😀

July 2, 2013July 2, 2013

Re-exploring Ballard

*This is an outdated post*

16 June

BH and I wanted to take Mr Hyde on a ride .. so we decided to head to Ballard. Well, Ballard is a little like Kirkland – it’s filled with cafe and restaurants, vintage/consignment stores and a huge Sunday’s Farmer’s market

It was a very sunny and pretty day. Perfect to walk around! I love such relaxing Sundays 🙂

We chanced upon a nice cafe and sat down for some refreshments – Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery

Love cafes which are tastefully decorated. This cafe is popular for its molten chocolate in a mason jar! If you are a chocolate fan, you need to visit here.

We ordered the Dark Decadence molten chocolate cake. wah.. it’s sinfully delicious… and extremely refreshing when the weather is warm! haha.. ordered a Vanilla bean milkshake so that we don’t get chocolate overdosed

Next up… we went to The Walrus and The Carpenter for their highly raved Happy Hour menu.

This place will no longer have Happy Hour specials on SUNDAY from July onwards. Lucky us! We managed to enjoy the 2nd last Sunday Happy Hour 😀 Happy Hour starts at 4pm but we were in line at 3.30pm! It was a wait and not very worthwhile in my humble opinion

Once again, I like the deco and the feel of this place. This time we took the seats at the bar – it was nice to see how food was prepared. I just felt that the service was a little slow – maybe that’s their strategy for the ‘long lines’ and curbing the ‘happy hour discounts’. For happy hour, 4-5pm there’s 50% off oysters, 5-6pm 25% off oysters. The best part about this place is … oysters are local and very fresh, other than that, it’s over-hyped

Ok, so we had 12 oysters of four different varieties. Would love to blog more about the oysters we ate but I can’t rem the names anymore. You see, that’s the problem with an outdated post :/ This post is going to lack depth. Blah.. you get the point.

A very nice chef took the initiative to take a nice picture of us -we don’t get that often 🙂

We also had the scallop tartare – it’s basically raw scallops mixed with lemon juice and herbs. It tastes great, feel like some Japanese cuisine. hmm… we are quite glad that we didn’t order steak tartare (which is supposed to be really good!) – but I can’t picture myself eating raw beef?! BH also ordered Fried Oysters, which was alright – I stopped eating it after the first piece as I bit into a piece of shell and tasted sand. Bh loved it though!

Sadly… we didn’t have room for desserts 🙁

That’s all for our Ballard trip! We will be going on a Dog walk/jog (without a dog) on 4 July, Independence day! Hope to take more pictures and blog about it soon!

June 21, 2013June 20, 2013

Hi Mr Hyde!

BH and I had been thinking of getting a 2nd car for awhile. We have been looking for something we both liked.. however, it’s really hard to find a used car of our criteria. In the end, we pulled the trigger on a custom build Mini Cooper S. Yes.. we decided that since we are only young ONCE..and the chances of driving a coupe in future is silm..so we just went for it 🙂

We ordered our car on April 26 and only received it last week! It was a long wait but worth it! After 6 months of searching, we bought the car! that’s how long we took!

Here’s the process… Once we ordered the car, we could track it’s process on the Mini website

May 9 – Hyde built and waiting for transport on vessel Tulane